Hello from Texas!

I can report I have made it safely to Texas, although the travel journey was nothing what I expected. Last Wednesday Jan 8th I woke up to my alarm anticipating to shower and zip close my bags and head to the airport, however when I glanced at my phone I noticed several email notifications that stated my flight was cancelled. A few calls later to the Canadian Mercy ships office a flight was rescheduled for Thursday, so I spent the day enjoying some extra time with friends. Waking up on Thursday morning I was ready to embark on my mission. The extra day at home was enjoyable but my mind was already in a different part of the world. With my bags in the car we headed towards the airport but not long after we stopped for some Starbucks in Abbotsford I received another email showing that my flight again was cancelled! A desperate search at flights and several phone calls later we turned around and headed back to Chilliwack. Just when I thought I was leaving Chilliwack behind for the rest of the year I drove back through it an hour after I had left. We reached back home, although I left my bags in the back of the car because I was determined to still make it to Texas that day. After waiting and several other phone calls I now was rescheduled for a flight from Seattle to Dallas that afternoon, so my dear friend Darian switched bags into the back of her truck, grabbed her passport and off we went. The drive was lovely as the sun came through and time flew but as we neared the airport I grew full of anticipation of finally leaving. Driving up the departures ramp I reached for my phone and immediately my heart jumped into my throat as I again see a email notification, my flight was cancelled for the 3rd time! This time around I felt super defeated not knowing when and if I was going to make it to Texas and also knowing I would miss the first 2 days of classes. I ran into the airport and went straight to the airline agents. One of the lovely Delta agents assisted me and the next possible flight out of Seattle to Dallas was Friday morning departing 530am with a 5 hour stop over in Salt Lake City. He handed me my boarding passes and I became overwhelmed with emotions. It was already 3pm and turning back to home felt so defeating. Considering I had to be back at the airport the following morning at 330am I knew the most logical option was to find a hotel to stay the night. I had made it one step closer that day, however not where I imagined.

I awoke early the next morning and knew the day was in God’s hands. Communicating with some friends who had already arrived in Texas they informed me there was a winter storm that was causing these delays so I prayed that I would be spared in my travels.

Thankfully my flights went according to plan on Friday and I reached Dallas around 530pm. A driver from the Mercy campus was there to pick me up. When arriving to campus I was so grateful to be greeted with a few familiar faces from my last service. I settled in quickly and the weekend was filled with catching up with old friends and making new.

This week is filled with classes regarding basic safety and training onboard Mercy Ships.

Stay tuned for some firefighting stories and pictures;)

Thank you to everyone for the prayers for traveling mercies.